General Eisenhower: Ideology and Discourse (Rhetoric & Public Affairs) - Hardcover

Ira Chernus (author)

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 087013616X ISBN 13: 9780870136160

Publisher: Michigan State University Press, 2002

Synopsis

During the Second World War, Dwight D. Eisenhower formulated an ideology that encompassed deeply held ideas about human nature, society, and political life. From the day the war ended, Eisenhower promoted this ideology; he considered the production of words as an end in itself,essential to the real business of governing. During his years as Army Chief of Staff, president of Columbia University, Allied Commander in Europe, and candidate for President of the United States, Eisenhower continuously emphasized the inspirational value of the spoken word. Ira Chernus has created one of the first detailed studies of the ideology and rhetoric of a U.S. leader in the formative years of the Cold War, showing how words and ideas fostered a conservative culture of nationalism and fear. Eisenhower’s use of language fulfilled consciously manipulative ends while also reflecting sincerely held ideas. General Eisenhower: Ideology and Discourse reveals how one man helped construct the sense of national and global insecurity that pervaded American life for decades.

About this title

About the Author

Ira Chernus is Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Colorado. He is the author of several books, including Dr. Strangegod: On the Symbolic Meaning of Nuclear Weapons and Nuclear Madness: Religion and the Psychology of the Nuclear Age.

Edition details

• Publisher: Michigan State University Press
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 087013616X
• ISBN 13: 9780870136160
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 366